William R. ‘Rick’ Daer Jr.

Born Feb. 18, 1950, in Pittsburgh, he was a son of the late William R. Daer Sr. and Ruth H. (Evans) Daer.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a stepson, Scott E. Lawson.

He is survived by wife, Jean (Barrett) Daer, whom he married Sept. 3, 1983; a son, William J. Daer and wife, Melody, of Lewistown; stepdaughter, Bobbi J. Lawson, and companion, Shanon Hitchcock, of Smethport; grandchildren, Claudia R. Rheam, Scarlett R. Daer, Tayler Jean, Leah Mae, Austin Scott, Morgan Paige, Chandon Thomas; and seven great-grand children; siblings, George R. Daer and wife, Roberta, of Murrysville, and Christine Howe, of Springfield, Ohio.

He was a 1968 graduate of Penn Hills High School, Pittsburgh, and attended college for two years.

Rick was a Vietnam Veteran; he served in the Army from 1969 to 1972.

He retired from Norfolk Southern Railroad in 2010 after 37 years of service.

Rick was a member of the Lewistown Moose Lodge No. 143, Milroy American Legion, Elks Lodge, in Wilkinsburg, Yeagertown Fire Co. and the Union County Sportsman’s Club.

Rick was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, best friend, and dear friend to many. Rick was a diehard Pittsburgh Steelers fan, and it wasn’t unusual to hear him yelling at the TV while watching football games. “Football games were made to watch and not talk,” he would always say. He devoted most of his time to his grandkids; he loved and enjoyed every moment with them. He relaxed most while having one hand on the mowing tractor and a cold Budweiser in the other. Rick had his own style to everything which included a vast variety of his favorite Hawaiian shirts and Steelers shorts. Rick was always offering great advice, amazing stories and always ready to offer a helping hand to anyone in need. Rick will be missed for his great stories, laughing giggles, great hugs and Eskimo kisses. Hootie Hoo until we meet again.

No services will be held.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in William’s memory to Pennsylvania Wounded Warriors Inc., 1117 Country Club Road, Camp Hill, PA 17011.

Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.hellerhoenstinefuneralhome.com.